About the Course
Travel with confidence and stay one step ahead of danger. Our Smart Traveler Classes teach you how to recognize and avoid scams, minimize digital and physical vulnerabilities, and respond effectively if something goes wrong abroad.
Designed for modern travelers, these courses combine situational awareness, cybersecurity, and practical safety strategies—empowering you to explore the world with confidence and peace of mind.
Topics Covered
The most common threats facing travelers today (theft, scams, cyber targeting, kidnapping risks)
Real-world examples of recent tourist and business-traveler incidents
How criminals profile and target foreigners
Why awareness and preparation are the traveler’s best defenses
Situational Awareness & Personal Safety
Social engineering and distraction tactics used by pickpockets and con artists
How criminals use urgency, sympathy, or confusion to create openings
Managing personal information in public — what your behavior signals to others
Quick response drills: how to disengage, create distance, and get to safety
Safe Wi-Fi practices — avoiding public networks and using VPNs
Device hardening before travel (updates, backups, encryption)
Social media discipline — avoiding geotagging and oversharing
Securing accounts with password managers and 2FA before departure
Using travel-safe communication tools and secure messaging apps
What to do if your phone or laptop is lost, stolen, or inspected
Common financial scams (ATM skimming, fake taxi apps, card cloning)
Using travel-specific debit/credit cards and setting withdrawal limits
Avoiding public computers and unsafe ATMs
Monitoring accounts daily while abroad
Credit freezes and fraud alerts before long trips
Conducting a simple pre-travel risk assessment (country, city, region)
Safe lodging and transportation selection
Registering with the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) for alerts
Emergency documentation — passport copies, insurance, and local embassy info
Packing considerations: secure wallets, Faraday pouches, backup devices
Communication plans with family or team back home
Recognizing when you’re being surveilled or followed
What to do in case of theft, assault, or detention
How to approach local law enforcement and your embassy
Handling digital compromise (lost devices, breached accounts)
Immediate steps after an incident — stay calm, collect information, report fast
“Blend in” strategies — dress, language, and behavior awareness
Trusting instincts over convenience
Keeping situational awareness even in “safe” areas
Managing fatigue and complacency on extended trips
Making safety a shared responsibility when traveling in groups
“Spot the risk” scenario challenge (real-world travel scam examples)
Rapid Q&A / myth-busting (e.g., “VPNs make me invisible online”)
Distribution of pre-travel checklist and emergency contacts guide
Encourage participants to complete a personalized Travel Risk Profile before their next trip